Exchangeable Carrier Beam Coupling for Fast Workstation Changeover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carrier systems for positioning components in workstations for exhaust systems of internal combustion engines are inefficient and lack a reliable, fast, and easy method for attaching and detaching carrier units, hindering seamless work operations.
Innovation Solution
An interchangeable carrier system with a base unit and a carrier unit that utilize a positive-locking coupling mechanism, guided by sliding guide formations and pressure fluid drives, allowing quick and reliable attachment and detachment, and enabling defined positioning through a rotation position specification arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional coupling system with multiple separate components is used, then the attachment mechanism is structurally simple, but the attachment and detachment operations are time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the coupling and fixing functions into a single integrated coupling element that performs both attachment and positioning in one operation. The coupling element incorporates a coupling projection that engages with a coupling recess, simultaneously achieving mechanical connection and precise positioning without requiring separate alignment steps or multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a pneumatic coupling mechanism where compressed air is used to automatically engage and disengage the coupling element. The pneumatic system actuates the coupling projection to engage with the coupling recess for automatic attachment, and provides the force for rapid detachment, eliminating manual operation and significantly reducing attachment/detachment time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If carrier units are frequently attached and detached from base units, then workstation versatility is improved, but operational time and storage needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a pre-positioning mechanism where the carrier unit is automatically guided and aligned with the base unit before coupling occurs. The coupling element includes a coupling projection that automatically engages with the coupling recess without requiring manual alignment, and the pneumatic system is pre-configured to provide the necessary actuation force, enabling rapid attachment/detachment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the pneumatic system, which automatically engages and disengages the coupling element without requiring external manual intervention. The system uses its own pneumatic power source to perform the attachment and detachment operations, eliminating the need for separate actuation mechanisms or manual operations.
3Reliability
If a positive-locking coupling mechanism is used, then positioning reliability is improved, but the complexity of the coupling arrangement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the positive-locking mechanism with the basic coupling structure, where the coupling projection and coupling recess themselves form the positive-locking interface. The pneumatic system provides the actuation force to engage and disengage this positive-locking connection, eliminating the need for separate locking components and reducing overall complexity while maintaining high positioning reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates rapid and secure positioning of components, reducing operational time and storage needs, while allowing versatile use of workstations for different components and cost-effective international deployment.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure fluid drive with a first pressure fluid chamber that is supplied with pressure fluid to move the coupling organ in the fixing direction
Data Source
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AI summary
A tool changer system, particularly for workstations for manufacturing components for exhaust systems of internal combustion engines, comprises a base unit (22) and a carrier unit (68) which can be detachably fixed to the base unit (22) in a working position, wherein a coupling/fixing arrangement (30) is provided on the base unit (22) and a counter-coupling/fixing arrangement (89) is provided on the carrier unit (68) which can be brought into positive engagement with the coupling/fixing arrangement (30) during a sliding movement of the carrier unit (68) in a sliding direction into the working position, and wherein, when the carrier unit (68) is positioned in the working position, the carrier unit (68) can be fixed to the base unit (22) by the coupling/fixing arrangement (30).